THE future of Masham farmers' auction mart, regarded for generations as an important part of the local agricultural community, has been assured with the announcement that the lease has been taken over by the Skipton-based Craven Cattle Marts.
Masham, established 81 years ago as a private limited company, has been closed for business since February last year because of the foot-and-mouth crisis and its aftermath.
Rumours that it was to close permanently were scotched in January, when it was revealed that the directors were investigating opportunities to re-open it and were hoping to fill the gap left by the impending loss of Ripon mart.
Under the partnership arrangement with CCM, which runs auctions at Skipton and Sedbergh, the opening sale of store cattle at Masham takes place on Tuesday, April 9. On the sheep front, the first weekend collection of prime hoggs and ewes is due to start on April 14.
Jeremy Eaton, general manager of CCM, said Masham would remain the centre of Masham Sheep Breeders' Association sales.
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